Cannabis 101

Cannabis 101

We have compiled a list of answers to commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the answer to your question or require more information please contact us.

Q: Is cannabis addictive? A: The definition of addiction is “A compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance”. It is possible to develop a psychological addiction to most things that are taken to excess, however cannabis is not physically addictive, although it is accepted that in some cases a psychological dependence can occur in heavy to chronic users. According to the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicines 1999 report, Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base: “Compared to most other drugs dependence among marijuana users is relatively rare, although few marijuana users develop dependence, some do. But they appear to be less likely to do so than users of other drugs (including alcohol and nicotine), and marijuana dependence appears to be less severe than dependence on other drugs.” Even heavy cannabis users won’t suffer withdrawal as is the case with alcohol, hard drugs and prescription medicines. Chronic users who stop using cannabis report experiencing irritability, restlessness and find it difficult to sleep for at least a week after discontinuing use.

Q: What are the different strains of cannabis?A: There are three distinct types of cannabis plant that are grown for their psychoactive content. These are Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Ruderalis. The fourth classification is given to what is now referred to as Hemp, this is the name given to non psychoactive cannabis plants that are grown commercially for seeds, oil and fiber. These plants typically contain around 3% THC content, however, hemp strains have been artificially bred to contain very little cannabinoid content to satisfy the prohibition lobby. In reality if farmers could grow regular cannabis they would be able to utilize more of the plant and earn extra income from the cannabinoids which could be used as medicine.

Q: What medical ailments is medical marijuana most commonly used for? A: Here are some of the more common ailments that marijuana is used to treat.

Sleep Disorder

MS

Nausea

IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)

Skin cancer (studies are still being done on the success rate of skin cancer)

Spinal/bone/head injuries

Parkinsons

Pain relief

Q: What are some rare ailments that medicinal marijuana can be used for? A: Here are some of the more rare ailments that marijuana can treat:

Tourettes Syndrome

Psoriasis

Pruritus

Sickle Cell Deiease

PTSD

Epilepsy

Seizures

Osteoporosis

Other conditions which may benefit from medicinal cannabis:

Menstrual cramps

Chronic pain

Glaucoma

Asthma

Anxiety

Arthritis

Anorexia

Brain injury

Stroke

Migraines

Phantom limb pain

Muscle spasms/twitches/aches

Movement disorders

Depression

Addiction withdrawal

Great for nausea and vomiting (usually sought after by chemotherapy patients at the end of the treatment or sometimes their choice to use alternative medicinal marijuana opposed to chemotherapy

Q. Who can purchase or receive medical marijuana from our dispensary BC Bud Wellness Society A: Medical marijuana can only be dispensed to patients and caregivers who present a current and valid Medical Marijuana Program card from BC Bud Wellness Society and photo identification. No other sales or transfers are authorized.

Q: Are children allowed inside dispensaries? A: No person under the age 19 are not allowed inside any part of the dispensary where marijuana is present. Absolutely no minors allowed even with medical documentation and a parental consent form, unfortunately we are unable to assist any persons underage. Also, we will not serve pregnant women as there hasn’t been enough studies done on the fetus and medicinal marijuana.

Q: Is there a limit to how much marijuana I can possess at any point in time? A: Yes. Under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations there is a possession cap of either 30 times the daily quantity of dried marijuana indicated by your healthcare practitioner on your medical document, or 150 grams of dried marijuana, whichever is less Per visit.

Q: My ATP expired. Is my ATP now valid? A: Health Canada no longer supplies marijuana for medical purposes. The court order addresses individuals who meet two criteria: Individuals must have held a valid Authorization to Possess under the MMAR on March 21, 2014 OR individuals must have held a valid Personal-Use Production License or Designated-Person Production License under the MMAR on, or after, September 30, 2013, where there is also an associated valid ATP as of March 21, 2014.

Here at Canna Essence Wellness Society, we will still honor MMPR’s and MMAR’s that fall into this category until further regulations change from either Vancouver city or Federal regulations change.

Q: How do I know my information will be kept confidential from others? A: We hold your records and membership with the utmost confidentiality. We are a medicinal foundation that holds the doctor / patient privilege very sacred and will always keep the confidentiality to all our employees, vendors and memberships.

Q: Is the MMAR still in force? A: No. The MMAR were repealed on March 31, 2014; however, as a result of a Federal Court interim injunction granted on March 21, 2014, individuals who were previously authorized to grow marijuana under the MMAR, and who meet the terms of the Court order, will be able to continue to do so on an interim basis until the Court reaches a final decision. As ordered by the Court, individuals with an authorization to possess valid on March 21, 2014, may hold a maximum quantity of dried marijuana as specified by their Authorization to Possess or 150 grams, whichever is less.

Q: Can Medicinal Marijuana be used with other medications? A: One of the most reasonable therapeutic uses of marijuana and THC has been to alleviate the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. In some cases, cannabis has been used simultaneously with many highly toxic cancer drugs with no reported adverse interactions.

Q: What documentation will I need to become a member at Canna Essence Wellness Society?

One piece of current government issued identification

Must be aged 19 years or older

Q: Do you offer any special discounts for Medical Patients and Military, Firefighter, Law Enforcement personnel , Front line emergency responders

A Valid Practitioners statement of Diagnosis and/or a valid Medical Marijuana Prescription for a 10% discount on all consumable products

Military, Firefighter, Law Enforcement personnel , Front line medical personnel with valid ID are also eligible for a 10% discount.

Q: Is Membership Open to Everyone? A: ALL Canadian citizens, and Canadian Permanent Residents may apply to become members at Canna Essence Wellness Society. If you are a student from outside Canada, you may apply with your valid Student Visa (Visa must be for 1 year or longer).

Q: Do You Accept other Dispensary cards? We have temporary card-based memberships available for those who are currently members at certain dispensaries. Please call us to inquire about which dispensaries we accept.

Q: What Payment options do you offer? A: Payment is made using Interac E_transfer or Interac Online Payments.